Johnson County emergency communications center director resigns

IOWA CITY - The executive director of Johnson County's joint emergency communications center has resigned.

The board that runs the center voted 7-0 Monday night to accept Gary Albrecht's resignation, effective March 23, and to approve a separation agreement, Chairman John Lundell said.

Lundell, who is a Coralville City Council member, said the agreement prevents him from commenting on the reasons for the resignation. He said Albrecht, who became the center's executive director in January 2011, leaves on good terms.

I “thank Gary for the 15 months or so of service,” Lundell said. “We wish him best.”

Last Thursday, Lundell initially said Albrecht was on medical leave and was expected to eventually return to the office. By Friday, Albrecht's return seemed doubtful.

Albrecht declined to comment last week and did not immediately return a phone message Monday night.

The separation agreement gives Albrecht three months of severance pay, Lundell said. Albrecht was being paid $79,825 a year.

Lundell said the board was “going to let the dust settle for a while” and has not discussed searching for a new executive director. Tom Jones, the center's associate director and IT manager, is serving as interim executive director for the second time.

The joint emergency communications center combines dispatchers and radio systems for public safety and emergency medical personnel in the county. It is governed by a seven-member policy board with representatives from Johnson County, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency.